Play your part for Parkinson’s Disease

Cognitive function in patients with different subtypes of Parkinson’s disease

About the study

Volunteers are needed for a research project investigating Parkinson’s subtype and cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease. This project will examine how general cognitive function differs in two different subtypes of Parkinson’s disease: tremor-dominant and akinetic-rigid. It has been shown that these two subtypes of Parkinson’s disease are associated with different cognitive outcomes, yet the reasons for this are still unclear.

This project will try to understand how patterns of cognitive performance differ between the two subtypes of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, we will investigate whether specific genetic information could be used to predict particular patterns of cognitive performance. Importantly, this understanding may improve our ability to predict who is at risk for the development of cognitive problems in people with Parkinson’s disease. Ultimately, this may lead to more personalised and effective treatment recommendations for cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease.

What do participants have to do?

Complete approximately 20-30 minutes of surveys online (or we can mail you a paper copy)
Attend one or two 2.5-3 hour research sessions at our lab at Adelaide University City East Campus or our research assistants can come to your home.
During each session you will complete a series of game-like cognitive tasks (memory, thinking, attention) on an iPad, as well as some simple movement assessments.
Provide a saliva sample, which will be used for DNA testing in order to determine whether genotypes that influence neurological functioning are related to cognitive function.
If you are taking medication for Parkinson’s disease, we will ask you to complete a second (optional) session on a separate day where you withhold your medication for 12-24 hours beforehand.